Recent official data showed that the Saudi labor market continues to register positive indicators, in light of government policies that enhance employment and expand citizens’ participation, especially women.
Unemployment at its lowest levels in the history of Saudi Arabia
The General Authority for Statistics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced that the total unemployment rate for Saudis and non -Saudis amounted to 2.8% during the first quarter of 2025. The unemployment rate among Saudis recorded a record decrease to 6.3%, which is the lowest historical level, which reflects the continued positive momentum in the national economy.
A rise in the participation of the Saudis in the labor market
The rate of participation of Saudis in the workforce increased to 51.3% compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, with a significant improvement in male employment indicators. The rate of participation of Saudi males increased to 66.4%, while their championship rate decreased to 4%.
Saudi women continue to advance in the labor market
The numbers reflect the success of women’s empowerment initiatives, as the percentage of Saudi women’s participation in the labor market increased to 36.3%, and their champion rate decreased to 10.5%. It is striking that the participation of young Saudi women (15-24 years) in the labor market increased to 18.4%, while the percentage of workers to the total population in this age group reached 14.6%.
Improved youth rates and category indicators
With regard to male youth, the average workers recorded a slight decrease to 29.2%, as well as the rate of their participation in the workforce, which reached 33%, but the unemployment rate among male youth decreased to 11.6%, indicating an improvement in the gradual integration mechanisms for them in the labor market.
In the productive age group (25-54 years), the rate of workers increased to 65.9%, while the rate of participation in the workforce reached 69.6%, with the unemployment rate decreased to 5.4%. As for those who exceeded 55 years, the results showed a decrease in both participation and unemployment compared to the previous quarter.
Ways to search for work is heading for digitization
According to the report, the direct application for employers remains the most common way to search for functional opportunities by 75.8%, followed by the “Jadharat” platform by 74.6%, then professional social media with a rate of 64.5%.
